It’s just a jump to the left, and then a step to the riiiiiiiiight. This song worm wriggled around my head in the lead up to the legendary Rock and Roll Musical, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, written by Richard O’Brien. The destination of this guaranteed party was the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield and as I joined the crowd, many of them were suited and kinky booted, accordingly.
The theatre was also dressed for the occasion, with each prop and stage design setting the scene for the next part of the story. The transitions were smooth, often requiring just a quick rotation, and unnoticeable through the non-stop singing, dancing and quick-fire gags. On occasion, the band could be seen up in the heavens, creating the melodies. The familiar soundtrack was lively and upbeat; being able to see the musicians weave their magic was a nice detail.
The show was narrated by the impressive Nathan Caton, who delivered his lines and fielded the mainly scripted crowd banter with the expertise you would expect from a comedy circuit veteran. The interaction between the narrator and the audience was fantastic and included many on-point local references and friendly jibes.
The show hits the ground running and before we know it, we are on our feet, with our hands on our hips, doing the time warp again. Brad and Janet, the unwitting characters who stumble into the alien den of iniquity, are played splendidly by James Bisp and Lucy Aiston. The irrepressible Frank N Furter is played by Stephen Webb. He is full of flamboyance, wit, sass and cross-dressing hedonism. It is a superb performance that further illuminates the dazzling production. Morgan Jackson (Rocky) and Daisy Steere (Columbia) also put in great performances.
The dancing and choreography are commensurate with the fantastical story, with each actor playing their part in an opulent spectacle. The costume, makeup up and wig departments excelled in what will have been a busy night's work. The speed at which the costumes were changed will, no doubt, have contributed to the laddering of a few pairs of tights.
The show was years ahead of its time when it opened in 1973. Few would have envisaged that a rock n roll musical about transvestite aliens from the galaxy of Transylvania would still be running over 50 years later. But it’s most famous tune, the time warp - an imaginary distortion of space in relation to time - is an ideal metaphor of the show and the reason why it is ageless. Tonight’s audience spanned all generations, indicating there will be demand for many years to come.
This Rocky Horror Show is an extravaganza of decadence and escapism. It is funny, uplifting and energetic, with an addictive musical score. A magnificent, must-see slice of theatre.
Production run (The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield): Monday 12th January – Saturday 17th January 2026.
Running Time: around 2 hours, including an interval.
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/
Reviewer: Matthew Burgin
On: Monday 12th January
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